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Benefits of Renewable Energy — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS3-1

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This 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the benefits of renewable energy sources aligned with NGSS standard 4-ESS3-1. Students explore how renewable energy sources like solar power, wind energy, and water power differ from nonrenewable sources such as coal and oil. The passage emphasizes three key advantages: renewable sources do not run out, produce little or no pollution, and are available in many places. Through age-appropriate language and relatable examples, students build foundational understanding of energy resources and their availability. The passage includes audio integration to support diverse learners and features bolded vocabulary terms with immediate definitions. Accompanying activities include multiple-choice comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that help students compare renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. This resource supports hands-on investigations and classroom discussions about energy choices and resource management. Perfect for elementary science curriculum focusing on Earth's resources and human impact on the environment.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Renewable energy uses sun, wind, water; nonrenewable uses coal, oil. — Renewable energy never runs out; nonrenewable energy will run out.

Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that will not run out. These sources include sunlight, wind, and moving water. Nonrenewable energy comes from sources like coal and oil that took millions of years to form and will eventually run out. Understanding the difference between these types of energy helps us make better choices about how we power our homes, schools, and communities.

Renewable energy sources have three important benefits. First, they do not run out. The sun will keep shining, the wind will keep blowing, and water will keep flowing for billions of years. We can use these sources over and over again without worrying about using them up. Second, renewable energy produces little or no pollution—harmful substances that dirty the air, water, or land. When we burn coal or oil, smoke and gases go into the air and can make people sick. Solar panels, wind turbines, and water wheels create energy without making this pollution.

Third, renewable energy is available in many places. Almost every location gets some sunlight, many areas have wind, and lots of places have rivers or ocean waves. This means communities can often produce their own energy nearby instead of bringing coal or oil from far away. A school in a sunny area might use solar panels on its roof. A town near the ocean might use wave energy. These local sources help communities become more independent and reduce the need to transport fuel over long distances.

What are three renewable energy sources?

Sunlight, wind, and moving waterCoal, oil, and natural gasElectricity, batteries, and fuelTrees, rocks, and soil

How long did coal and oil take to form?

Hundreds of yearsThousands of yearsMillions of yearsBillions of years

What does pollution do to our environment?

Makes the air, water, or land dirtyCreates more renewable energyHelps plants grow fasterMakes the weather colder

Why can renewable energy help communities be independent?

It costs no money to useIt can be made locally nearbyIt works only at nightIt requires special training

What happens when we burn coal or oil?

It creates clean waterIt makes more coal and oilSmoke and gases go into the airThe sun shines brighter

Why is it good that renewable sources are available?

Communities can produce energy nearbyThey only work in winterThey are invisibleThey make pollution